Emerging role of ultrasound guided interventional management in cervicogenic headache

The objective of this mini review is to discuss the role ofmusculoskeletal ultrasound (MSK US) in identification andtreatment of pain generators in cervical spine in patientspresenting with cervicogenic headache (CEH). CEH is asecondary headache arising from cervical nociceptivestructures emerging from facet joints, intervertebral discs,nerves, muscles, fascia and ligaments. It presents acomplex challenge in clinical management.Traditional treatments often provide limited relief,prompting the exploration of innovative interventionslike US guided techniques. MSK US is gaining momentumsince last 2 decades and it has transformed theinterventional management options for diverseconditions including CEH with improved accuracy andefficacy. The management of CEH needs to bemultidisciplinary keeping biopsychosocial model of painin mind. In countries like Pakistan, there is a hugepotential to apply US guided procedures in its population,as it reduces the number of visits by the patient andreduces the overall healthcare cost. By targetting specificpain generators and minimizing collateral damage, theseinterventions hold immense promise in improving themanagement. Herein, we briefly discuss the diagnosis ofCEH and evidence based US guided interventions oncervical pain generators.